Dublin to Galway: How to Cross Ireland (And What to See on the Way)

Ireland is small. For American travelers used to driving six hours just to cross a single state, the scale of the Emerald Isle is delightful.

You can wake up in Dublin on the East Coast, watching the sunrise over the Irish Sea, and be in Galway on the West Coast in time for a seafood lunch by the Atlantic Ocean.

The distance is roughly 208 km (130 miles). On a good day, it’s a 2.5-hour drive.

But for travelers planning their trip based on The American’s Guide to Galway: The City of Tribes & The Wild West, the question isn't just "How do I get there?"—it's "What am I missing along the way?"

The route cuts straight through the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland. If you take the train, you blur right past 6th-century monasteries and the oldest pub in the world. This guide breaks down the three ways to cross the country: The Fast Way (Train), The Cheap Way (Bus), and The Best Way (Touring Transfer).

Option 1: The Train (Comfort & Speed)

For those who want to relax and avoid traffic, the train is the gold standard.

• The Station: Departs from Dublin Heuston Station (Not Connolly!).
• The Destination: Arrives at Galway Ceannt Station, right off Eyre Square in the city center.
• The Frequency: Trains run almost every hour.
• The Cost: Approx €30-€40 round trip (if booked online in advance).

The Experience

Irish Rail is clean, comfortable, and generally reliable. There is Wi-Fi (though it can be spotty) and a snack cart. The scenery is pleasant—lots of green fields and cows—but not dramatic. You are crossing the flat "Central Plain" of Ireland.

• Pros: Bathrooms on board, table seats available, straight to the city center.
• Cons: Luggage racks fill up fast. You cannot stop to see anything on the way.

Option 2: The Coach (Budget & Wi-Fi)

Surprisingly, many locals prefer the bus over the train. The motorway network (M4/M6) is so good that the bus is almost as fast as the train and half the price.

• The Operators: Citylink and GoBus are the two main express operators.
• The Comfort: These are modern luxury coaches with toilets and usually better Wi-Fi than the train.
• The Route: They go non-stop from Dublin City (Burgh Quay) or Dublin Airport directly to Galway Coach Station.
• Pros: Cheap (approx €25 round trip), departs directly from the Airport terminals (great if you are landing and heading straight west).
• Cons: No legroom to stretch out. If there is a crash on the M50 motorway, you are stuck.

Option 3: The Rental Car (The Motorway Slog)

Driving yourself offers freedom, but be warned: The M6 Motorway is boring.

Unlike the Cliffs of Moher from Galway or the Ring of Kerry, the drive across the middle of Ireland is a straight, grey ribbon of asphalt.

• The Tolls: You will hit toll plazas. Have cash or a credit card ready.
• The Anxiety: If this is your first day in Ireland, picking up a rental car at Dublin Airport and immediately driving 2.5 hours on the left side of the road while jet-lagged is a high-stress introduction to the country.

Option 4: The "Touring Transfer" (Private Driver)

This is the "Hack" that savvy travelers use.

Instead of viewing the journey as a 3-hour "commute," view it as a 6-hour tour. By hiring a Private Driver-Guide, you turn the "boring middle" into a highlight reel of Irish history.

You can leave Dublin at 9:00 AM, stop at amazing sites that trains and buses can't reach, and arrive in Galway by 3:00 PM, checked in and ready for a pint.

Here are the three essential stops a driver can show you on the way:

Stop A: Kilbeggan Distillery

About halfway across, you pass the town of Kilbeggan. This is home to the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland (dating back to 1757).

• The Experience: It is much more authentic than the giant Jameson factory in Dublin. You can see the old waterwheel on the river that used to power the operation.
• The Driver Benefit: You can do a tasting of their premium whiskey because you aren't the one driving the rest of the way to Galway!

Stop B: Clonmacnoise (The Ruined City)

This is the big one. Located about 20 minutes off the motorway (impossible to reach by public transport) lies Clonmacnoise.

• The History: Founded in 544 AD by St. Ciarán, this was once a massive university city and the religious center of Ireland. High Kings are buried here.
• The Vibe: It sits on a bend of the River Shannon. Walking among the high crosses and round towers in the silence of the river valley is hauntingly beautiful. It is a stark contrast to the bustle of Dublin.

Stop C: Sean’s Bar (Athlone)

Athlone is the town that physically marks the center of Ireland. On the banks of the Shannon sits Sean’s Bar.

• The Record: Guinness World Records certifies this as the Oldest Pub in Ireland (and possibly the world). Archaeological evidence (wattle and wicker walls found during renovation) dates it back to 900 AD.
• The Drink: Have a "hot whiskey" or a pint of local ale in a pub that was serving drinks before the Vikings invaded England.

Arrival in Galway: What Next?

Once you hit Galway, the vibe changes instantly. The grey motorway ends, and the bohemian energy begins.

1. Check-In: Drop your bags.
2. Hit the Streets: Walk straight to the The Latin Quarter & Spanish Arch to stretch your legs.
3. The First Pint: Head to Tigh Neachtain for your welcome drink. (Read our guide to Traditional Music in Galway to time it right for the music).

Can You Do It as a Day Trip?

We get asked this often: "Can I stay in Dublin and just visit Galway for the day?"

Technically, yes. You can take the 7:30 AM train, arrive at 10:00 AM, spend 7 hours, and take the 7:00 PM train back.

Ideally, no. Galway is a "nighttime" city. The street performers, the pub sessions, and the atmosphere peak after 6:00 PM. If you leave at dinner time, you miss the best part. (If you are short on time, check out our guide to Dublin to Kilkenny Day Trip, which is much more manageable for a single day).

Why a Driver-Guide Wins the "Cross-Country" Debate

If you take the train, you see cows. If you take a driver, you see 5,000 years of history.

A private transfer is not just about luxury; it is about efficiency.

• Door-to-Door: No dragging suitcases to Heuston Station.
• The "Hidden" Ireland: Clonmacnoise is one of the most important sites in Europe, yet 90% of tourists miss it because it’s "too hard to get to." A driver puts it right on your path.
• Local Knowledge: Your driver will spend the 2-hour drive giving you a crash course in Irish culture, politics, and history, so by the time you arrive in Galway, you understand exactly what you are looking at.

Turn the Transfer into a Tour

Don't waste a day of your vacation staring at the back of a bus seat. Hire a private driver to take you across Ireland the proper way—stopping for whiskey, ruins, and history along the route.

Find a Private Driver for Dublin-Galway Transfers →